A seed bed can be used for plants that
take a long time to mature - such as hardy cyclamen!

Long before garden centres became the norm for
gardeners, most respectable gardens had a seed bed. The seed bed
was used for raising many different plants – ornamental and
vegetable – from seeds.

Seedbeds and how to prepare

Seed beds
are not seen too often in gardens now, because of the popularity of
garden centres and ease of buying reasonable quality plants without
having to go through the actions of maintaining a seedbed.

However, a seed bed is still a good way of
raising your own plants, and also a rewarding way in which to take time
out from the stresses of modern day living.

The seed bed can simply be a flat piece of
ground in a sheltered but well lit place in the garden, or you can make
a raised seedbed, by framing it with 6in (150mm) treated timber boards.

The simplest seed bed is an area of flat
ground, dug over and raked to fine texture with no large stones. Remove
all weeds and roots, tread gently to firm the soil. You have a seed bed.
Simple as that!

Where - Any part of the garden that
is sheltered and well lit, and not a
damp dark area.

When – Seeds are normally sown in
spring or summer, but also autumn for
some plants

What – You can raise many garden
plants and vegetable seedlings in an
outdoor seedbed.

Why
– It is rewarding. It need not take a
lot of time. You can raise many
varieties that are available as seeds,
but not always available as young
plants. A seedbed is a good place to
rear plants that take a long time to
mature. They can be left in the bed for
many months. Slugs and birds can be
problems - protect!